Understanding Our Citizen Survey
Recently, we released our Citizen Satisfaction Survey to inform our decisions on improving existing programs and services and to help us determine long-range planning and investment decisions. We understand that our citizens have some questions and concerns on the survey purpose, questions and methodology and we want to answer the questions and misconceptions.
What is the purpose of this survey?
Resident surveys are a best practice for cities. In fact, more than 700 cities and counties across the United States have implemented surveys in the past year. This survey allows us to stay competitive and gather resident input and feedback on City programs and services. Other benefits of this survey include:
- Clearly defined priorities
- Objective performance evaluation and benchmarks
- Meaningful citizen involvement
- Increased funding
- Better programs
- Stronger support from community leaders and residents
Is this the first time the City has administered this survey?
This will be the fourth citizen survey completed by the City since 2008, creating ability to analyze trends.
Did the City create the survey?
Roeland Park worked with ETC Institute, a firm that specializes in the design and administration of market research for governmental organizations. For more on ETC Institute, visit: https://www.etcinstitute.com/
How were questions selected and why are the questions written the way they are?
ETC Institute has worked with local governments nationwide to gather statistically valid and representative input from residents on a wide variety of issues and topics. In doing so, they have developed a vast library of standardized questions and survey instruments that get high levels of response and the kinds of information decision-makers need. Some of the questions are custom to Roeland Park and those questions were crafted in conjunction with ETC to ensure they are scientifically valid and not leading.
When is the survey due?
There is no hard deadline. The survey will close once ETC receives enough complete surveys to be statistically valid so the sooner you complete your survey, the more likely your responses will be included in the results?
Can I just answer one or two questions? Will my survey results be included if so?
No. You need to complete at least 60% of the survey questions for the survey to be included. You also must answer the question validating your address or the survey will not count.
If you have any more questions on our Citizen Survey, please call City Hall at (913) 722-2600